Make sure you're at least well compensated for it. At least 2x to make it worth your while IMO.
Ask HN: Is it bad that I don’t want to be a senior engineer?
31–32 of 32 posts
Re: Ask HN: Is it bad that I don’t want to be a senior engineer?
#32I think everyone gets to where you are at some point. If they do not, then they are not trying new things. Nothing wrong with deciding you hate the current and want to return to what you enjoy. I am in the same boat, and cannot wait to return to the job you are doing. Remember, if you love your work, are you really working?
What are you doing now?
I am working for a company that does not build tech, so I am not in the companies business line. My boss is not technical, I am the most technical employee. We have contractors who maintain the network. I manage the contractors and a couple of employees. I do not write SW. I write proposals, go to meetings, explain why buying some shiny object will not improve the work environment.
What I love is SW development. I love creating algorithms, either by myself or part of a group. I love debugging code.
So why did I take the current job? My boss was leaving, he was technical, they were looking at hiring a non tech as a replacement, or moving me into the role. I realized if they hired someone else, they would not do anything but ask me when will it be done.
So when I say I want to go back to development, I want it with a boss who is at least semi technical. I want the company to produce something in the tech field. Also considering contracting. Ideal job would be going digital nomad. But for a variety of reasons, I cannot leave for at least a year, but optimally 18 months. Assuming the economy holds up.